Meet the U.S. National Team: Q&A with Attacker Lindsey Munday

Heading into the U.S. tryout this weekend in Maryland, we had the opportunity to catch up with recently-named captain of the team, Lindsey Munday. Munday, a seven year veteran of the U.S. Team, has won championships at virtually every level. A World Champ in ’09, the collegiate All American also won national championships as a coach and a player at Northwestern University. Here’s what Lindsey had to say when we caught up with her.

PLAYER PROFILE
Name: Lindsey MundayPosition: AttackCollege: Northwestern University '06Currently: Head Coach, USCAwards & Honors: 2x National Champion as a player at Northwestern, 3x National Champion as a Coach at Northwestern. First Team All America in 2005 and 2006. Currently 5th Northwestern All Time Point Leader, and 2nd All Time Assist Leader. 2009 World Cup Champion. Named to the All World Team in 2009.

1. Prior to the Canadian Tour, you were named the captain of the U.S. Team. The incredible honor is just one of the many you've received during your career. What were the emotions of being named captain of the national team?
It was very emotional being named Captain, especially because Michelle DeJulius- the previous Captain of the 2009 World Cup Team- presented us with the news. I look up to all of the players on the team in different ways and to know that they look up to me as well is pretty special. This is an incredible group of players and I think every single person on the team is so honored just to be a part of the team and to represent our country and play the sport we love.

2. As a head coach at USC, fans of the game are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Lady Trojans. What has it been like to build the program out west?
It has been an incredible journey to start the USC program and the best part about it is there is so much more to come! The administration, fans, and alumni of USC have been extremely supportive and enthusiastic about our program which I am so grateful for. It is so fun to start something from the ground up and to surround yourself with coaches, players, and fans that are extremely invested in the future success of the program.

3. The expansion of the game out west has been incredible, especially in recent years. What has it been like being able to bring the sport to the next level in southern California?
Southern California lacrosse is absolutely exploding right now and it is so exciting to be at the forefront of it all. The players and fans in the area are so grateful that USC as added Women's Lacrosse and we are grateful to give the young players in the area role models to look up to. Our staff and players will continue to get out within the community as much as possible and provide instruction to those who want it. We want to spread the game as much as possible and we are happy to be in an area where there is so much excitement around the sport.

4. As a standout at Northwestern, you've also had quite the successful career internationally. Now a veteran on the team, what have you been doing to prepare for the next year and the 2013 World Cup?
After you graduate from college training definitely gets harder, but there are always ways to improve your game without having a team to play with every day. As a coach, I watch a lot of film and I think that is a great learning tool. I not only watch our previous USA games, but I also watch college games and try to learn from other players and systems when I can. As an attacker, I also do a lot of wall ball and shooting on my own. It is great that Devon Wills and I work together because we get to train together as well. It also helps that she is a goalie and I am an attacker so we do a lot of shooting which is great for both of us.

5. Maintaining a high fitness level is a very important component to being on the national team. What are the physical activities that you do to make sure you're always in shape?
In terms of training, I like to do as much on the field training as I can. As an attacker, I also focus a lot on footwork and dodging, and not just straight sprints. Most of the time, I will incorporate my shooting in between sprints so that I am tired and need to focus on placing my shots in the spots that I want them. I will also try to change things up as much as I can so my body doesn't get worn down- I love doing yoga and I also do the Insanity workout for some nice change of pace.

6. An attacker both in college and on the U.S. Team, what are some drills you're able to do on your own?
Wall ball, shooting, and dodging are all things you can do on your own and are the main things an attacker needs to be strong at. I truly believe it is the attitude in which you train that will make it beneficial or not. When I shoot or work on my dodges, I act as if a goalie or defender is there and I make sure that I am going full speed. Players need to be able to self evaluate and ask themselves "did I give it my all today?" for them to be successful training by themselves.

7. If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring U.S. Team members, what would it be?
My piece of advice would be to go for it. Commit to getting better and commit to your dream. I truly believe that if you want something and you work hard enough you can make it happen. There definitely may be setbacks along the way, but you need to keep your head up and stay positive. Always remember that this is the sport you love and have to fun while going for it—it is all about the journey, not the destination.